Siliconera’s 2022 Nintendo Switch Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the holiday shopping season. Given it is Thanksgiving weekend in the states, you might be going through and picking up some things. Well, we’re here to help with suggestions. Here’s Siliconera’s Nintendo Switch holiday gift guide for 2022, complete with games and other items that could work as presents for someone or yourself.

First, to start, there is a holiday bundle this year. Nintendo brought back the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch bundle. It gives you the system, the game, and three months of Nintendo Switch Online for $299.99.

Guide to Nintendo Switch Games That Make a Great Holiday Gift for Anyone

First, these are the all ages, all skill-level games. All of the titles below are easy for anyone to enjoy. There are single-player activities. In some cases, there are multiplayer modes. Each one is generally a good time and well-suited for anyone with a Switch system. In each case, their non-sale price is mentioned. Also, only titles with physical copies are mentioned, as you can’t “gift” digital copies of Switch games.

• Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection – $39.99
• Bayonetta 3 – $59.99
• Kirby and the Forgotten Lands – $59.99
• Nexomon + Nexomon Extinction Complete Collection – $39.99
• Pac-Man World Re-Pac – $29.99
• Persona 5 Royal – $59.99
• Pokemon Scarlet or Violet – $59.99
• Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival – $49.99
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – $34.99

Guide to Nintendo Switch Games That Make a Great Holiday Gift for More Advanced or Niche Players

These are the games for folks who you know really love the Switch. I mean, in that case, honestly an eShop card is the safest bet. You might not know exactly what they own, and store credit lets them tick items off their virtual wishlists. But if you really want to get someone a physical copy of something, these are titles that might require a little more thought or advanced knowledge of gaming or the series to enjoy. They are deeper cuts. As with the previous section, their normal price is mentioned.

• 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim – $34.99
• AI: The Somnium Files Nirvana Initiative – $59.99
• Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes – $59.99
• Pokemon Legends: Arceus – $59.99
• Digimon Survive – $59.99
• Harvestella – $59.99
• Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak – $69.99
• Triangle Strategy – $59.99
• Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – $59.99

Fun Novelties That are Switch-Adjacent

Monster Hunter Rise Stubbins:

These are cute lil’ plush buddies! They’re a fun extra to give to someone if you know they like the Monster Hunter Switch games, but you also know they already own the games. I’d recommend the Palico Smoosh Stubbins, since they’re more universal than the specific Palamute and Palico styles. That way you also get an option of a cheaper $19.99 10” model and more expensive $29.99 18” one.

Build-a-Bear Gift Cards

There are both $25 and $50 Build-a-Bear gift cards and collections celebrating Pokemon characters, Animal Crossing NPCs, and even Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario sometimes. However, given that some of the bundles can cost over $60, it might be wise to go with a $75 one as a gift.

Good Smile Company Figures

The company makes a number of Nintendo-themed Nendoroids, figma, and other figures. These can get a little expensive, though! Not to mention they sell fast, so you might end up paying more than at retail. You could always “buy” a pre-order of one of the Fire Emblem: Three Houses Pop Up Parade figures. Those always go for under $40. The $190.99 Xenoblade Chronicles Melia figure is available now, if someone wants something more expensive.

Nintendo’s own amiibo

Nintendo’s own amiibo are also a good fit. They tend to come in between $12.99 and $24.99, depending on the style and size. They are pretty detailed figures to have on hand on their own. They also work in various Switch games, even the ones that don’t involve the character they portray. The Splatoon 3 Inkling, Octoling, and Small Fry are the most recent three to debut and cost $15.99 each.